Announcer Steps Into The Heat's Hot Seat

In a strange twist, Mike Inglis, the Heat's new radio play-by-play announcer, found out about the job from the man whom he succeeds, David Halberstam, who held the position for five years.

"I had heard rumblings that there might be an opening," said Inglis, the only broadcaster to do Toronto Raptors games (1995-98). "It happens in this profession like it does in most others. I didn't know for sure until I was talking with David, and he told me that he didn't think he would be back."

The opportunity was obvious to Inglis, 45, who received a three-year contract to announce the games on WIOD (610-AM). He was moving from an organization that had gone through three owners to one he considers among the best in the NBA. It was also a chance to move his family back to the United States, even though Inglis went to Humber College in Toronto.

Inglis also did Indiana Pacers games in 1987-88. He knows that in some ways, the job in South Florida is similar to what he faced in Indiana.

"The basketball fans are knowledgeable in South Florida just like Indiana," Inglis said. "In Toronto, I spent as much time teaching the fans what to expect as I did telling them what was going on. Most of the people there were born with hockey skates on. At times, it was as basic as `Basketball 101.'"

There is another major difference between serving the Heat fans and those of the Raptors and the Pacers of the late '80s.

"The Heat is expected to win," Inglis said. "The Raptors and Pacers weren't expected to win. It calls for two different perspectives and approaches."

Inglis, a broadcaster for 25 years, has also done play-by-play for hockey, the Canadian Football League, the NFL and the North American Soccer League.

He also was the announcer for the match race between Donovan Bailey and Michael Johnson.

"If you're a professional broadcaster, you should be able to broadcast a cricket match if it's your job," Inglis said.

Inglis credits Jack Ramsay, the Heat's television analyst, with teaching him the finer points of basketball when he worked for the Pacers.

"I wouldn't be where I am without the knowledge that I gathered while working with Jack," Inglis said. "He was one of the game's great technicians as a coach, and it has made him the best analyst, in my opinion."

Inglis spent the lockout period researching the Heat and preparing for his new job. His wife, Maryellen, and their daughter, Megan, 8, recently moved to Weston.

"I love it in South Florida, but it's always tougher on your family," Inglis said. "You go to work every day, and they know no one in the beginning."

One thing Inglis has noticed since moving to South Florida are the tough attacks players, coaches, organizations and other sports figures face on daily radio talk shows.

"I'm sure that one day someone will be ripping me," Inglis said. "It appears anyone is fair game in this market."

Inglis, like coaches, players and fans, has grown eager during the prolonged lockout.